Robstown mayoral hopeful fights disqualification

ROBSTOWN - A Robstown mayoral hopeful who was disqualified from becoming a candidate because of a 1988 felony drug conviction said he is trying to fight his disqualification.

Joe Avalos, 62, says he has no felony on his record, but court documents show he was convicted in 1988 and lost an appeal later that year. Texas law prohibits felony convicts from running for public office.

"As far as I'm concerned, the conviction still stands," Nueces County District Attorney Mark Skurka said.

Avalos, a barber in Robstown, received 10 years of probation and a $10,000 fine after he was convicted of delivery of heroin, according to online Nueces County court records. The 13th Court of Appeals dismissed his appeal.

Still, Avalos said he filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Office, claiming he should have been allowed to run for office.

"We're waiting for him to decide," Avalos said.

As the ballot currently stands, incumbent Mayor Rodrigo Ramon Jr. is challenged by Ruben Vaiz and Victor Orona Jr. The election is May 14.